How to Get Your Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?

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Are you planning to work or study in the UAE with a foreign qualification? If so, you’ll need an equivalency certificate. The UAE’s Ministry of Education requires this certificate to validate that your education meets local academic standards.

Whether you’ve completed high school abroad or earned a degree from an international university, the process to get your academic qualifications recognised is essential and structured.

This guide will help you understand everything about obtaining an equivalency certificate in the UAE, from what it means and who issues it, to the application process, fees, common challenges, and more. With so many steps and conditions involved, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But don’t worry, this detailed guide breaks down each part of the process in a clear and accessible way, helping you confidently move forward with your application and career plans in the UAE.

What Is an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE and Why Do You Need One?

An equivalency certificate in the UAE is an official document issued by the Ministry of Education that confirms your foreign qualification aligns with the UAE’s national academic standards.

This applies whether you hold a secondary school certificate or a university degree from outside the UAE. Without this certification, your education may not be officially recognized by UAE institutions or employers.

This certificate is essential if you plan to pursue higher education, apply for a government job, or even seek professional licensing in regulated industries.

The Ministry uses a detailed evaluation process to determine if your education is accredited, completed under standard attendance conditions, and meets the study duration requirements.

It also helps ensure consistency and quality across educational qualifications, preventing unaccredited or low-standard degrees from entering the UAE academic and professional space. Obtaining this certificate legitimises your academic background and allows you to fully participate in the UAE’s education and job market.

Who Issues the Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?

The UAE’s Ministry of Education (MOE) is the sole authority responsible for issuing equivalency certificates. Whether your qualification is from a high school, college, or university abroad, you must apply through the Ministry’s official portal to have your credentials evaluated.

The MOE ensures that all submitted qualifications meet the UAE’s academic recognition standards. For higher education, the process involves two stages verification of the degree from an authorised partner, followed by recognition by the Ministry itself.

The final equivalency certificate is granted only if both stages are successfully completed. Equivalency for secondary education is also managed directly by the Ministry.

The UAE has strict guidelines to determine eligibility, and each application is reviewed carefully for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.

Any applications requiring special review are passed on to a committee for further evaluation. Once approved, your certificate is delivered digitally and can be used for education or employment purposes.

What Are the Requirements to Apply for a Degree Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?

To apply for a degree equivalency certificate in the UAE, you must meet several eligibility criteria and conditions. The Ministry evaluates each application based on accreditation, attendance, and qualification standards.

Eligibility Requirements Include:

Your institution must be accredited in the country of study during your enrolment
You must have been physically present in the country of study
You must provide all required documents, including transcripts and thesis, if applicable
Your qualification must not be obtained through distance or open learning unless it follows UAE standards

Additional Requirements:

Study period should align with the degree-level standards of your institution
You must provide a verification report through a trusted partner like QuadraBay (for higher education)
Translation is required if documents are not in Arabic or English

Failing to meet these requirements may lead to rejection of your application, so double-check your eligibility before applying. If any condition is not fulfilled, the Ministry will not proceed with recognition.

What Documents Are Required for the UAE Equivalency Certificate?

The documentation varies based on your academic level but must be complete and legally attested. The Ministry of Education requires documents to be in PDF format, with a maximum file size of 5 MB.

You need to submit:

Original degree certificate or legalised copy
Academic transcript covering the full period of study
Passport and Emirates ID (for residents)
UAE residency visa (if applicable)
Legal translations for documents in languages other than English or Arabic

Additional documents based on curriculum:

High school certificate and mark sheets for the last three years
For Muslim students: Islamic Studies record
For Arab nationals: Arabic language record

For graduate programs, you may also need:

Thesis abstract (for research-based degrees)
Previous qualifications and study timeline

Ensuring these documents are correct and complete is vital. Missing or unverified documents can delay or even lead to the rejection of your application.

How Do You Apply for an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?

Applying for an equivalency certificate in the UAE involves a clear process that begins online through the Ministry of Education’s portal. Whether you’re applying for general education or higher education, you’ll need a UAE PASS account.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

Visit the official Ministry of Education portal
Log in using your verified UAE PASS
Select your certificate type (General Education or Higher Education)
Fill in your academic details accurately
Upload all required documents in the specified format
Submit your application for review
Wait for any document requests from the Ministry
Receive a notification when your application is ready for payment
Make the required payment online
Get your equivalency result via email and through your account

Be sure to keep track of the application’s progress and respond to any requests promptly. If you fail to upload additional documents within 7 days, your application may be closed.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Equivalency Certificate in the UAE?

The processing time for an equivalency certificate depends on the level of qualification and the accuracy of your submission. Generally, the Ministry of Education provides the equivalency certificate within 5 working days for general education (high school level) applications.

For higher education degrees, the processing time is longer because it involves two stages. The initial stage of degree verification may take up to 20 working days, depending on how quickly your university responds to the verification request.

If the Ministry requests additional documents or if your application is referred to a review committee, it may take extra time. Keep checking your application status online and respond to notifications promptly to avoid delays.

The entire process, including document verification and recognition, typically finishes within a month if no complications arise.

How Much Does a UAE Equivalency Certificate Cost?

The cost of an equivalency certificate in the UAE varies based on the level of education and whether it’s a general or university degree.

Below is a breakdown of the fees:

Degree Level	Fee (AED)
General Education (Grade 12)	50
Undergraduate Degree	100
Postgraduate Degree	150
Doctorate Degree	200

You can pay the fees online once your application reaches the payment stage. Make sure to use accepted payment methods through the official portal.

These fees are non-refundable, and if your application is rejected due to missing information or failed verification, you won’t be reimbursed. Always double-check your documents before submission to avoid losing your payment.

What Common Issues Do Applicants Face When Applying for Equivalency?

Many applicants encounter obstacles during the equivalency application process. These issues usually arise due to incorrect documentation or lack of eligibility.

Common problems include:

Missing required documents or incorrect uploads
Unaccredited institutions or programs
Distance learning degrees are not recognised under UAE criteria
Documents not translated into Arabic or English
Delays in response from the issuing university
Non-compliance with study duration or attendance requirements

Another issue is failure to submit additional documents when requested by the Ministry. If you don’t respond within the given timeframe, your application can be closed. Understanding these issues in advance helps prevent errors and keeps your application on track.

How Can You Appeal or Fix a Rejected Equivalency Application?

If your application is rejected, you still have the opportunity to correct the issue or file an appeal. The Ministry of Education provides clear steps for resubmission.

Steps to take:

Review the reason for rejection mentioned in the status update
Collect and prepare the missing or corrected documents
Log back into your account and go to the application status
Upload the new documents and resubmit for review

If the issue relates to eligibility or accreditation, you may contact MOE support for further clarification. In some cases, applications go to a special committee for review. You must respond to all Ministry communication and follow instructions to avoid closure of your case. It’s crucial to act quickly as delays can affect your academic or job timeline.

What Happens After You Receive the Equivalency Certificate?

Once you receive your equivalency certificate, it becomes an official record of your academic qualification’s recognition in the UAE. You can use this document to apply for jobs, enrol in educational institutions, or submit it as part of your visa application, depending on your needs.

The certificate is typically sent to you by email and also made available on your account dashboard. Make sure to download and store a digital and printed copy for future use. Some institutions or employers may ask for a verified copy, so keeping it ready is always advisable.

The certificate does not expire but remains valid for as long as your academic status remains unchanged. Any upgrades or additional qualifications may require new evaluations.

Conclusion

Securing an equivalency certificate in the UAE is a vital step for anyone with foreign academic qualifications who plans to study, work, or reside in the country.

By understanding the requirements, collecting the correct documents, and following the official process through the Ministry of Education’s platform, you can ensure a smooth and successful application experience.

Every step, from logging in to submitting documents and making payments, plays a role in whether your certificate is granted without delay. If any issues arise, the process also provides support and opportunities to resubmit or appeal.

Once obtained, your equivalency certificate opens the door to countless opportunities within the UAE’s growing educational and professional sectors. Begin your application journey today and position yourself for success in the UAE.